Van Leeuwen Ice Cream’s Pina Colada could inspire a new flavor trend

While Discover Puerto Rico invites travelers to “Live Boricua,” capturing that sentiment in one particular flavor is not always easy. With Van Leeuwen Ice Cream’s Pina Colada special release ice cream, that iconic Puerto Rican cocktail is transformed into a sweet scoop that celebrates the Caribbean paradise.

Ice cream collaborations have become more common. Although some savory food brand collaborations have people doing a double take, the reality is that the familiar and the new churned together make people crave that spoonful.

While there have been various brand collaborations, infusing a taste of a travel destination is new. Although some people might be familiar with the pina colada cocktail, this concept is more than just capturing the flavor. It is intended to excite people about the locale, the culture, and the history of Puerto Rico.

As Leah Chandler, CMO of Discover Puerto Rico said, "In collaboration with Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, we are thrilled to share a scoop of paradise, melding the legacy of Puerto Rico’s beloved cocktail with delicious creativity. By infusing the expertise of local mixologist Roberto Berdecia and the artistic vision of Cristina Muñoz Laboy, every spoonful promises an authentic taste of Puerto Rico. We can't wait for New Yorkers to experience the tropical magic and rich cultural tapestry of Puerto Rico with us!”

The specialty Van Leeuwen Ice Cream will be available on July 10, National Pina Colada Day. A special ice cream truck will travel New York City and the flavor will be available at most Van Leeuwen NYC locations, while supplies last. Check with the food brand’s social media accounts for more information.

While this limited offering delights New York City locals, the concept could be more than just another flavor partnership. Can food inspire people to explore a travel destination?

Food is and will continue to be a vital part of travel. From local delicacies to highly acclaimed restaurants, people appreciate that flavor can often capture a country’s culture, heritage and more. It is one of the reasons why people book food tours and make dining a priority on vacation.

Could Van Leeuwen Ice Cream expand this concept beyond the Pina Colada offering? The answer is obvious. Why couldn’t this flavor come back for the Puerto Rican Day parade in NYC? What about offering an ice cream based on the Puerto Rican coffee culture?

Additionally, there are plenty of other destinations that could leverage this idea. Basically, the possibilities are almost endless.

Ready to get your scoop of the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream’s Pina Colada flavor? It is time to live the Colada Culture.